Scientific name
Heosemys spinosa
Shell spines are particularly visible in juveniles, then become less pronounced with growth. [1]
Origin
Southeast Asia, notably the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo; humid forests near streams. [1]
- Natural-history profile
- Forest-dwelling
- Semi-aquatic
- Mainly plant foods
At a glance
Shell spines are particularly visible in juveniles, then become less pronounced with growth. [1]
| DOCUMENTED SIZE | 17–22 cm 17–22 cm published by Lisbon's Jardim Zoológico. [2] |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | To be documented Not retained: lifespan insufficiently documented by the consulted pages. |
| LIFESTYLE | Forest-dwelling It uses the forest floor and small streams; juveniles are described as more terrestrial. [1][2] |
Adult size
17–22 cm published by Lisbon's Jardim Zoológico. [2]
Lifespan
Not retained: lifespan insufficiently documented by the consulted pages.
Lifestyle
It uses the forest floor and small streams; juveniles are described as more terrestrial. [1][2]
Housing
ENVIRONMENT AND LAYOUT
Ground and waterways — Shade, forest humidity and water access characterise its natural habitat. Captive dimensions and numerical parameters still need documentation.
Shade, forest humidity and water access characterise its natural habitat. Captive dimensions and numerical parameters still need documentation.
Care parameters
CAPTIVE PARAMETERS
To be documented — Descriptions of the natural environment do not establish terrarium settings.
Humidity
To be documented — No sufficiently documented captive percentage is retained.
Heating and UVB
To be documented No settings extrapolated from Mediterranean terrestrial tortoises.
Environment
Humid forest [1] Ecological description, not an imposed percentage throughout the tank.
Feeding
FEEDING
Mainly plant-based diet supplemented by invertebrates. [1][2]
Diet
Toronto Zoo describes a mainly plant-based diet with opportunistic animal food. This description does not establish a universal protein proportion for every age. [1]
Reproduction
Zoological sources describe small clutches. Reported durations are not an incubation method: temperature, substrate and protocol require a separate reference. [1][2]
Monitoring
Record stage, measured size and use of terrestrial and aquatic areas. Do not confuse secretive activity with feeding data: separately record what was offered and what was consumed.
Checklist
- Verify the animal's identity and origin before acquisition.
- Prepare housing and check measurements before arrival.
- Keep contact details for a veterinarian familiar with this group.
Observations to record
- Meals offered and actually consumed
- Weight, size and body changes
- Environmental measurements and maintenance
- Behaviours, observations and dated events
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Toronto Zoo — Spiny turtle
Source accessed - Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa — Tartaruga-espinhosa
Source accessed